Staff Writer – Latoya Wakefield
Caribbean news. Heal the world, make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race…this song by the Late Great Michael Jackson will always remain in my heart. Let’s take a moment to think on these words….
Many of us want to make that change – World Peace, End World Hunger, Diminish All Diseases and so on. How many times have you seen a child on the street hustling and wish you could give that child a home?
But you can’t because you have your own children to worry about, bills to pay, so many things on your plate that you can’t afford to help anyone at least not this time. That’s perfectly understandable. We got to help ourselves before we can help someone, right?
And then there are those who can help but don’t know how to. There are so many scams and selfish schemes. You donate clothes, food, money hoping that it will help someone and then it turns out to be a lie. Once burnt, twice shy and when that genuine opportunity comes up to help someone, you turn it away. So how can you help the needy?
Photo courtesy www.infolanka.com
I’ve been thinking about that for a while. Of course there are legitimate charities. I’ve volunteered for quite a few and they are awesome. However, there are needs that these charities don’t (and none that I know of) cover. Ever since I was a girl, I wanted to start my own charity.
Initially, I thought to name it “The Help Me Foundation”. I knew what it felt like to need help and there’s no one to turn to. I got lost in my own problems and that idea never came to life.
I had to do something. One day in August I was watching Tyler Perry’s “Good Deeds” and that’s when the idea came to me. I could start my own Good Deeds organisation right here in Jamaica! The zest was back. Then the idea came out of my mind like sand through fingers. Another problem came up and I was a bit depressed for a while.
Some weeks ago, I read an article about mental illness that reignited the fire. I might not have the resources, I still have issues but guess what? I now have the time to get my idea up and going. So I thought to start really small. I’ve contacted via Facebook 10 organisations and individuals that I think might be able to assist.
While I wait on their replies, I’m drafting a plan for Good Deeds Jamaica. Then I’ll kick start this project with a Facebook page that will offer concrete advice/guidance in the areas of mental health, physical health and education (providing I get the necessary volunteers).
That will be stage one for Good Deeds Jamaica. When this organisation is firmly on its feet, we’ll be opening a free food court for retirees. I’ve noticed that it is difficult for our elders to survive on their pensions….So how do we make the world a better place? Lesson# 1.By making changes in small steps.
